A quart of Benjamin Moore paint typically costs $20-$40, with many common interior options around $28-$32 before tax. The final price depends on the paint line, finish, color, local dealer, and whether the project also requires primer or labor.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One quart of paint | $20 | $30 | $40 | Paint only; price varies by line and dealer |
| Coverage per quart | 75 sq ft | 100 sq ft | 125 sq ft | Approximate coverage for one coat |
| Small touch-up supplies | $5 | $12 | $25 | Brush, tray, tape, or patching supplies |
Assumptions: U.S. retail pricing, standard quart container, before sales tax; dealer prices and paint availability vary.
What a Quart of Benjamin Moore Paint Usually Costs
Plan on about $20-$40 for the paint itself, or roughly $30 for a typical quart. Lower-priced options and basic interior lines may sit near the low end, while premium products, specialty finishes, or locally priced colors can cost more. A quart is often suitable for a small accent area, trim work, or touch-ups, but actual coverage depends on the surface and application.
At an estimated 100 square feet per coat, the paint-only rate works out to about $0.20-$0.40 per square foot for one coat. Two coats roughly double the paint use. Porous drywall, rough surfaces, strong color changes, and paint applied heavily can reduce coverage, so the container’s stated spread rate is not a guarantee for every job.
How Paint Lines and Local Dealers Change the Shelf Price
Benjamin Moore paint is sold through independent dealers, so the price on a quart can differ by location and retailer. Product line matters too: a standard wall paint and a premium washable or specialty product are not necessarily priced alike. Color matching is commonly part of a tinted purchase, but confirm whether a particular finish or custom color carries a different charge.
As a practical estimate, allow $20-$30 for many basic quart purchases and $30-$40 for higher-priced lines or markets. Prices in expensive metropolitan areas may run about 5%-15% above comparable small-town quotes, while promotions or dealer discounts can bring an order down. Those differences are local estimates, not fixed national price bands.
What the Quart Price Includes Beyond the Paint
A paint-only shelf price does not cover every item needed to finish a small job. The table separates common add-ons from the quart itself; quantities depend on the surface and whether supplies are already available.
| Quote item | Typical price | Unit or scope | When it applies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benjamin Moore paint | $20-$40 | Per quart | Chosen line, color, and sheen |
| Primer | $15-$30 | Per quart | Stains, bare material, or major color change |
| Brush or mini roller | $5-$18 | Per tool | Small areas and touch-ups |
| Tape and surface prep | $5-$20 | Per small project | Masking, patching, or light sanding |
| Sales tax | Varies | Local rate | Added where applicable |
A $30 quart can become a $40-$70 small-project purchase once primer and basic supplies are included. Existing brushes, rollers, and painter’s tape can keep the total closer to the paint price.
How Sheen, Color, and Coverage Affect Your Quart Budget
The label’s coverage estimate and the wall’s condition matter more than a simple room-size guess. A smooth, previously painted wall may need less paint than textured or unsealed drywall. A color change from dark to light can require a primer or an extra coat, increasing consumption.
For planning, measure the surface rather than the floor area. One quart may cover about 75-125 square feet for one coat, depending on the product and surface. At less than 75 square feet, one quart may still be the practical package size; above 125 square feet, a second quart or a gallon may be more economical. A low-sheen finish is common for walls, while trim finishes may be selected for cleanability and appearance.
When a Quart Beats a Gallon for Touch-Ups
A quart is useful when the job is small enough that a gallon would leave substantial unused paint. It can cover a few doors, a modest furniture project, a small accent wall, or scattered touch-ups if the color and finish match. For an entire room, compare the quart price with the gallon price and account for the number of coats.
For example, if a quart costs $30 and a gallon costs $65, four quarts would total $120, making the gallon a better value for larger work. However, a gallon is not automatically cheaper for a small patch, and older leftover paint may not match after fading or changes in sheen. Keep the original label or formula for future matching.
Three Benjamin Moore Quart-Paint Quotes for Small Jobs
These examples show paint and supply budgets, not guaranteed dealer quotes. They assume a typical local retail price and exclude contractor labor unless stated.
| Project | Paint quantity | Supplies or labor | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Door touch-up, 20 sq ft | 1 quart, $25-$35 | $5-$12 supplies | $30-$47 |
| Accent wall, 100 sq ft, two coats | 2 quarts, $50-$80 | $10-$25 supplies | $60-$105 |
| Small professional repair and repaint | 1 quart, $25-$40 | 2-3 labor hours at $50-$90 per hour | $125-$310 |
For the labor example, the calculation is . Minimum service charges can make a short visit cost more than the hourly calculation alone.
Why Painting Labor Can Exceed the Quart Price
A painter may charge $50-$90 per hour, with a two-hour minimum or a separate visit charge. A small repair can require sanding, patching, masking, color matching, and cleanup even when the painted area uses only a fraction of a quart. In that situation, labor and setup—not paint volume—drive the bill.
Ask whether the quote includes surface preparation, primer, materials, and cleanup. For a simple accessible touch-up, doing the work independently can avoid labor charges. For visible repairs or difficult color matching, professional blending may be worth comparing against the full service minimum.
How to Lower the Quart-Paint Cost Without Wasting Material
Control the measured area and buy only the coats and finish the surface requires. Check the exact product name, sheen, and color formula before purchasing; a cheaper but mismatched quart may mean repainting. If a larger area needs several quarts, request the gallon price as well and compare the total rather than relying on the per-quart rate.
Reuse clean tools when practical, prepare the surface before opening the paint, and avoid buying primer unless bare material, stains, or a major color change call for it. Get prices from nearby authorized dealers, since local pricing and available discounts can differ. Keep any leftover paint sealed and labeled for future repairs.